As Louisiana Lawmakers work to slash the state budget, it appears healthcare will be significantly affected.
One solution that has been offered to reduce these cuts is to increase the tax on cigarettes by as much as $1 a pack.
On the surface, that sounds like a lot, but even with that kind of increase, Louisiana's tax on cigarettes would still be below the national average.
Think of the benefits. That money would be used to keep people healthy. At the same time, more expensive cigarettes might be the deciding factor for hundreds of our citizens to kick the habit.
The increased cigarette tax increase would generate as much as $350 million. That would go a long way to helping the sick in our state. It's definitely a solution that needs to be explored.
Let me know what you think. I'm James Smith.
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